February 2, 2017 Life Update

We have had a great start to 2017.  Tim and I went to Ixtapa for two weeks and returned on January 20^th.  It was blissful!  We were able to do so many things that I thought may not ever again be possible.  Due to the great location of the resort so many things were easy to do without going on any excursions. 

We went biking three times.  We chose to go on a challenging bike ride from Ixtapa to Zihuatanejo one day which is a ridiculous amount of hills.  Going down a hill I nearly ran into a herd of goats.  Yep!  And as I am a train wreck as far as being accident prone it was considered to be quite the blessing that I did not.  When Tim suggested that we consider taking the bus back to Ixtapa I was reminded once again what an amazing man I married.  Best 25 pesos ever spent.  Later, we were told that Ixtapa was the hottest place in the world on that day. 

I also survived roller blading without any medical intervention or band aids.  Yes, another miracle.  Our resort was located 5 minutes away from a bike path which was great for biking, roller blading and skate boarding.  Tim too had no mishaps.  There was lots of wildlife near by including rabbits, donkeys and crocodiles (in a sanctuary) 

I successfully attended the gym without complying with their tennis shoe rule.  I continued with my nutrition health nerd persona and drank the Eco gym’s chlorophyll and exhausted the resort’s stock of green juice.  While many people at these all inclusive resorts seem to be able to handle their liquor; I on the contrary have difficulty keeping track of my own shoes while drinking too much mineral water.  True story. 

We also went Kyacking and on a couple of catamaran rides.  We were entertained by a couple of dolphins and one was about a foot away from me.  My feet behaved themselves above my expectations and I was able to do some beach walking which is one of my favourite things to do.  

Last week I had to go back to the oncologist for a checkup and my blood work showed tumor markers decreasing again.  My oncologist discussed our previous MRI concerns and advised that he spoke to the radiologist and they are confident that what they are seeing on the MRI is not a sign of disease progression.  Of course they would never know 100% unless my liver was removed and analyzed.  My spleen is enlarged about 50% above normal and will remain at this size.  They do not anticipate any growth or decrease in size.  My spleen is holding onto platelets which is part of the cause for the low platelets.  Removal of my spleen is a whole other topic that you only want to look into if absolutely necessary.  My platelets remain low but it is safe to continue treatment.  At this point they don’t expect my platelets to get to a normal level.   They all believe that it is in my best interest to continue with the blood thinners indefinitely.  My case apparently has been unusual and puzzling for the specialists.   My case was difficult to diagnose due to the cancer in my liver being spread  throughout much of my liver.  I have responded better than they anticipated to the treatments.  I am continuing with acupuncture treatments and have also seen an osteopath a few times.  I believe that the acupuncture has helped me with a number of the side affects of the chemotheraphy.  They are modifying the MRI’s from every three months to every 4 months.  

I continue to strive to just “Let Go and Let God”.  I am trying to be the best version of me that I can be.  Some days I do better than others.  I am not able to do everything that I used to but I am able to do so much more than six months ago.  I strive to be a better person, mother daughter and friend and feel that I continue to fall short of my own expectations.  But, every day I try to be a better version of me than yesterday.  I try to understand my varying moods and wellness.   No one knows what the future holds and I try not to get ahead of myself.  Today is good.  I try not to compare myself to others or expect myself to have the same energy as others.  I just need  to be me and accept me which is sometimes difficult.  I expect and want so much more from myself than I am able to deliver most days.  

I believe that I have received devine providence throughout the past year in making decisions on my health.  I have received guidance on health decisions regarding what decision to make and the importance and urgency of the decision.  Repeatedly, I have found that when I ask God to help me make a decision, he quite clearly gives me guidance.  I continue to be blessed with not only physical healing but on how hard to push myself and when I need rest or a time out.  I continue to feel confident of God’s presence and for that I am incredibly blessed.

Joshua 1  - 9  - This is my command – Be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Much Love,

Bev